Spectra is the new family of Manfrotto’s professional LED Lights, designed to meet the needs of demanding videographers and photographers. Spectra LEDs excel in reliability and light quality and stands out from standard LED panels, thanks to their slim and elegant design.

Features:

Excellent Color Rendition – Colors are reproduced with fidelity and the skin tone of subjects are always natural.

Long Lasting Batteries – Thanks to the long lasting batteries (1.5 hrs on average), Spectra is ideal to be used not only in studio, but also on location.

Versatility & Portability – It’s extremely easy to carry Spectra LED lights wherever they are needed and to use them either on-camera or in combination with Manfrotto’s numerous complimentary accessories (stands, booms, clamps, arms, etc).

Models:

SPECTRA 1X1 FT BI-COLOR, FLOOD (Part Number: MLS1X1FT) – Manfrotto Spectra 1X1 FT is an extremely versatile LED panel; it provides a beautiful soft light, to match the requirements of demanding filmmakers, videograpers and photographers. The illuminance is greater than 1400 LUX at a distance of 1m and the color temperature can be regulated from 3200°K to 5600°K.

SPECTRA 1X1 S, 5600K, FLOOD (Part Number: MLS1X1F) – Manfrotto Spectra 1X1 F is an extremely versatile LED panel; it provides a beautiful soft light, to match the requirements of demanding filmmakers, videograpers and photographers. The light output is centered at a constant temperature of 5600°K (daylight), with an illuminance of more than 1400 LUX at a distance of 1m.

SPECTRA 1X1 S, 5600K, SPOT (Part Number: MLS1X1S) – Manfrotto Spectra 1X1 S is an extremely versatile LED panel; it provides a beautiful soft light, to match the requirements of demanding filmmakers, videograpers and photographers. The light output is centered at a constant temperature of 5600°K (daylight), with an illuminance of more than 1700 LUX at a distance of 1m.

Imaging-Resource recently interviewed Go Tokura, Canon's Group Executive for Image Communications / Products Operations. Mr. Tokura was asked directly, "Will we eventually see the M2 in the U.S., or will you wait until the next generation?"

Mr. Tokura replied (via translator), "There are plans for the M2 to arrive in the U.S. However, having said that, I should make clear that that's the decision that is led by the sales groups in each division, so they are the ones who are holding the decision-making responsibility on that."

This news would contradict initial reports that the EOS M2 would only be released in Asian markets.

For more information, check out the rest of the interview on the Imaging-Resource.

Clacton on Sea, United Kingdom – February 27, 2014 – Comodo, a manufacturer of advanced camera stabilization systems, is announcing the release of their newest camera stabilization device, Orbit. Utilizing advanced engineering in mechanical gimbal technology, combined with application of basic physics, Orbit is the first mechanically driven, twin grip gimbal stabilization device of its kind to be introduced to the HDSLR and small camcorder segment of the filmmaking community.

Inspired and designed by award-winning filmmaker, and pioneer of the Single Shot Cinema Shooting Method, Leonard Retel Helmrich, Orbit is the perfect tool for photographers and filmmakers of all levels who want steady and fluid hand-held footage that is easy to capture. Unlike any other stabilization device currently available, Orbit requires no weights, motors, or batteries in its balancing and operation. This results in a simplified, streamlined, and straightforward way for filmmakers and photographers to utilize the tool within production environments without dedicating large amounts of set-up time to its usage.

Commenting on the announcement, Jan Lederman, President of MAC Group noted:

“Providing photographers and filmmakers with the world’s finest image making tools has always been the driving focus of MAC Group. I feel that we’ve taken our commitment to the next level with Orbit. Comodo Orbit brings such a level of ease and simplicity to capturing dynamic footage that we are all very excited to see how filmmakers across the country will use the product when it reaches their hands.”

“For the first time in a very long time, filmmakers will be able to create films without being hindered by the process of creating them.”

Orbit will arrive at a street price of $1,499 and is currently available for pre-order now at select authorized resellers across the USA. Product shipments will begin March 1, 2014.

LAS VEGAS– Feb. 27, 2014 – Sigma Corporation of America, a leading researcher, developer, manufacturer and service provider of some of the world's most impressive lines of lenses, cameras and flashes, will be exhibiting at the Wedding & Portrait Photography International Conference + Expo (WPPI) at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas at booth 521 from March 3-5.

At the booth, Sigma will be showcasing its entire camera and lens product lineup, including several recently announced lenses and accessories from the manufacture’s Global Vision Line like the improved and redesigned 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM and 50mm F1.4 DG HSM lenses, as well as the 24-105mm F4 DG OS HSM, 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM | ART lenses and USB Dock.

“We look forward to the opportunity every year to interact with wedding and portraiture shooters at WPPI,” said Mark Amir-Hamzeh, president of Sigma Corporation of America. “Attendees who stop by our booth will get a first look at some of our new Global Vision products like the 50mm F1.4 and 24-105mm F4 lenses, and learn how Sigma is bringing the most innovative gear to the market.”

Sigma is also pleased to be sponsoring the WPPI University event taking place on Friday, February 28 and Saturday, March 1. Two of Sigma’s Pro Photographers, Lindsay Adler and Jennifer Rozenbaum, will share their photography tips and tricks during a speaking session on Friday afternoon, and event attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in our shooting station during the hands-on workshops, and interact and work with Lindsay and Jennifer on their photography skills.

Sigma Corporation of America’s WPPI activities will include:

WPPI In-Show Lens Giveaway: Enter for a chance to win one of four different lenses throughout the show. Sigma fans that visit the booth and participate in the Sigma Shooting studio each day will be entered for a chance to win a different lens each day of the show, including either the 85mm 1.4 EX DG HSM, 35mm 1.4 DG HSM Art, 24-105mm f4 DG HSM OS Art or 50mm 1.4 EX DG HSM. Attendees must participate at the shooting station each day for a chance to win, and one winner will be chosen randomly each day. Three lenses will be given away, one each day, plus a grand finale winner on the last day. Stop by the booth to learn which lens is being given away each day.

WPPI Online Lens Giveaways: For Sigma fans that are unable to attend the show, Sigma will be offering them a chance to win a different lens each day by entering online. Fans can enter by submitting their best wedding and/or portrait photos to Sigma’s Facebook page using the hashtag #WinSigma or on Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #WinSigma. The hashtag must be used in order to account for all entries, and a winner will be judged and selected for each day of the show plus a grand finale winner. Submission period begins March 3 9am PST and end March 5 4pm PST. Winner names will be announced March 21, 2014. For more information, visit our social channels or website each day to see which lens will be given away!

TOKYO - Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the release of the Quick-Draw Strap and the Quick-Draw Strap S, two new products developed in cooperation with world-renowned American camera accessory manufacturer, BlackRapid.

Overview:

The Quick-Draw Strap and Quick-Draw Strap S were developed based on quick-draw straps invented by photographer and BlackRapid founder, Ron Henry, and popular throughout the market for their incredible convenience. The straps have been further refined to offer even greater convenience.

Along with the great mobility offered by BlackRapid products through specifications that enable on-the-go shooting with a mechanism that allows the camera to slide diagonally up and down the shoulder strap, a system that utilizes the camera's tripod socket so that the camera hangs upside down for a smooth grip, a shoulder pad that effectively distributes weight for less burden, and an under-arm tether that holds the strap firmly in place, these two new straps offer an even greater sense of security with a safety strap that prevents the camera from falling in the unlikely event the fastener comes loose, and a cover that prevents the carabiner that connects the strap to the camera from scratching the camera body.

The Quick-Draw Strap, with a wider shoulder pad, is suited to use with digital SLR cameras. The Quick-Draw Strap S, with a narrower shoulder pad, is suited to use with Nikon 1 advanced cameras with interchangeable lenses and Nikon COOLPIX compact digital cameras.